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Acquisition of EarthData International by Fugro Signals Commitment to Global Geospatial Leadership

FREDERICK, MD., April 10 /CNW/ - EarthData International, Inc. founder
Bryan J. Logan announced today that he has signed an agreement in which Fugro
NV, a global provider of geotechnical, survey, and geoscience services, will
acquire 100 percent ownership of the EarthData group of companies, including
Horizons, Inc. The agreement culminates years of planning to ensure the
long-term growth and stability of the EarthData organization.
"Joining the global Fugro family is a natural next stage in EarthData's
evolution as a leading provider of airborne mapping, remote sensing, and
geographic information services worldwide," Logan stated. "With Fugro's
established and loyal international customer base and a goal to add geospatial
services as a core offering, Fugro provides an ideal platform to provide
services such as GeoSAR (radar mapping) services in Europe, the Middle East,
Africa, South America, and Asia." To that end, Logan, whose background
includes 38 years in international mapping, will work with Fugro to help guide
the development and execution of a global geospatial business strategy.
Success on the global market will mandate continued investment in new
technologies, which has been a cornerstone of the EarthData organization.
Widely credited with a number of industry firsts, EarthData is also the only
company to offer an airborne dual-band radar mapping system. "As I considered
various options to ensure the long-term success of EarthData, the commitment
and resources to continue our 'legacy of firsts' was paramount to me," Logan
explained. "Sharing a vision for technology innovation, Fugro's strong track
record of successful risk management on major capital investments will ensure
the next generation of advanced airborne sensors and processing systems."
While the acquisition holds much promise for global market expansion and
technology development, EarthData President Anne Hale Miglarese noted the
company's continued focus on the federal, state, and local US governments, as
well as the US private sector. "Our commitment to supporting national
security, environmental, and infrastructure needs remains steadfast, as does
our desire to expand the value of geospatial information for commercial
applications," she said. Miglarese, who will continue her role as President of
EarthData, also emphasized the commonalities that already exist between the
two organizations noting first-class corporate values, a dedicated and
talented workforce, and a long record of strong business performance.
The acquisition marks a major milestone for EarthData, which, owned by
Logan for the past 22 years, traces its origins back to 1955. Under his
leadership, EarthData has grown from a small conventional mapping company
(formerly Photo Science, Inc.) to its present position as an industry leader
recognized for customer service, its ability to successfully manage large and
complex airborne mapping projects, and most notably, a commitment to
geospatial technology innovation. In addition to developing the global
geospatial market for Fugro, Logan will serve on EarthData's new board of
directors. About this new era in the history of the company, Logan stated,
"I'm very optimistic and excited about the potential this transaction holds
for the company's customers and employees. I firmly believe Fugro is the
foundation upon which we will continue to expand our services, develop new
geospatial technologies, broaden our geographic reach, and better serve our
existing and future customers."
EarthData International was assisted in this transaction by Mr. Laurent
Ohana and Ms. Singari Seshadri, principals with Parkview Ventures
(www.parkviewventures.com), a New York-based merchant banking firm investing
in and advising companies in the information technology sector. Over the past
several years, Parkview Ventures worked closely with EarthData's executive
management team to enhance the company's performance and successfully position
it for the development and execution of this strategic transaction.
About EarthData International: EarthData provides a full range of mapping
and GIS services to support customers' needs in a wide variety of natural
resource management, urban planning, economic development, national defense,
and engineering activities. With its fleet of aircraft, the organization
collects aerial photography, uses airborne laser (lidar) and imaging radar
(GeoSAR) systems to produce 3D terrain models, and develops or deploys other
remote sensing technologies to detect thermal and multispectral information
about the earth's surface. EarthData offices in the United States and China
use this data to create and supply photogrammetric, lidar, radar, and digital
orthophoto mapping and GIS applications and services, worldwide.
(www.earthdata.com)
About Horizons: Horizons has provided high-quality photogrammetric
mapping services since 1968. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, with an office
in Minnesota, Horizons serves public- and private-sector clients in
government, mining, oil and gas, and engineering, among other vertical
markets. Capabilities include a large aircraft fleet configured for aerial
acquisition of imagery, lidar, and other sensors; data processing for the
creation of orthophoto, topographic/planimetric maps; and GIS services.
(www.horizonsinc.com)
About Fugro: Fugro collects, processes, and interprets data related to
the earth's surface and soil composition and provides advice based on the
results. As an extension to these activities, Fugro provides services such as
precise positioning, construction materials testing, reservoir engineering and
data management. Fugro's operations have been organized into three divisions:
Geotechnical, Survey, and Geoscience. Fugro is listed on Euronext N.V. in
Amsterdam and is included in the Amsterdam Midkap Index. Fugro has over 275
offices, approximately 10,000 staff and a permanent presence in over 50
countries (www.fugro.com)